Congress aims to strengthen base in Goa ahead of ZP polls

Panaji: Congress has initiated an effort to strengthen its presence in Goa ahead of the Zilla Parishad elections. Last few weeks, 25 block-level meetings were held with more planned as elections approach. South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes said he will lead booth-level meetings to boost support after the parliamentary session concludes.

“Weekly meeting at the organisation level is being held in a constituency. We completed 25 with Dr Anjali Nimbalkar and Manickrao Thakre, and we covered several constituencies,” said Fernandes.

The party’s high command plans to empower district presidents to crack down on dissent and indiscipline within the party. AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge emphasised the importance of granting district presidents greater authority.

“Regarding the disciplinary action, more powers will be given to the district presidents. We don’t need any sleeper parties of BJP in the party,” said South Goa Congress president Savio D’Silva.

“When do you have a split? When the house is not strong. We need to be strong and united, and then no matter how much someone tries, we will not break. We must put things in place,” Fernandes said.

D’Silva said AICC assured that defectors will not be welcomed back. “We are going to hit the ground, go to every booth after the parliament session gets over. The meeting was to build the party and strengthen it in all the 40 constituencies,” said D’Silva.